Affirmative Consent Means No Presumption Of Innocence

Affirmative consent, which some advocates and legislators want to require all colleges in Connecticut to adopt as the standard for determining whether a sexual assault has occurred, offers a solution worse than the problem [Feb. 13, Page 1, "A Push For 'Affirmative Consent'"].

Presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of due process for a reason, and it's chilling to see how quick universities and legislators are to dispense with it. Without its protection, false accusations would become a potent means of revenge or blackmail against sex partners. Would students need to rely on documents such as written or videotaped agreements to protect themselves against such accusations?

Sexual assault is a uniquely heinous and dehumanizing crime, warranting punishment from a legally recognized authority. As such, the guilt of alleged perpetrators should be determined by the judicial system, not a kangaroo court furnished by a university that would likely be subjected to the prejudice and internal politics of its faculty and student body.